LAST UPDATED: June 2025
Love museums but not the ticket prices? Good news—many local museums and art galleries offer free admission on select days. From world-class art to hands-on history, here’s your guide to exploring top museums without spending a dime.
Photo: The Tennessean
Nashville’s First Saturday Art Crawl happens monthly from 5-8PM, offering free gallery access, new exhibitions, and even complimentary wine and snacks. This event highlights the city’s vibrant arts scene, welcoming both seasoned and new art lovers.
Photo: Zeitgeist Facebook
Every first Saturday at 6PM, the WeHo Art Crawl turns the neighborhood into a free, walkable gallery tour. Explore local art, live music, and creative spaces like David Lusk Gallery, Zeitgeist, and Fort Houston—all open to the public for one vibrant night out.
Photo: 100 Taylor Facebook
On the third Saturday of each month from 4-9PM, the 100 Taylor Arts Market brings Germantown to life with 60+ local artists, live music, craft beer, and community vibes—all in one creative space.
Photo: Facebook
Discover the National Museum of African American Music for free on the first Wednesday of every month (no ticket needed). Through interactive galleries, live performances, rare artifacts, and cutting-edge technology, NMAAM brings the untold stories behind America’s soundtrack to life. This cultural cornerstone transforms music history into an immersive, educational, and deeply moving experience.
Photo: Do615 Content Team
The Parthenon offers free admission for SNAP and WIC participants—just show your EBT card at the ticket counter for entry for up to four people. Active-duty military families also enjoy free access from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day as part of the Blue Star Museums program.
Photo: CNN
224 Rep. John Lewis Way S
Nashville, TN 37203
Explore Hatch Show Print, one of America’s oldest letterpress shops, still thriving in Nashville. Step back to the 1800s, watch iconic posters being made, and experience a living piece of the city’s rich music and art history. While you can view the work in progress for free, their tours are only free to those 5 and under.
Photo: Country Music Hall of Fame
224 Rep. John Lewis Way S
Nashville, TN 37203
Across from Hatch Show Print, The Haley Gallery showcases the cultural legacy of country music through art, archives, and exhibitions. Part of a larger nonprofit network that includes Hatch Show Print and RCA Studio B, it plays a key role in preserving and celebrating the genre’s deep roots and ongoing impact.
Photo: Photowalk Your Travel
Nashville’s streets double as an open-air gallery, showcasing massive, colorful murals. From garage doors to water tanks, each painting tells a unique story, adding vibrancy and personality to Music City’s ever-evolving art scene.
Photo: Vanderbilt University
1220 21st Ave S
Nashville, TN 37203
Located on Vanderbilt’s campus, this gallery showcases rotating exhibits spanning centuries of artistic expression. Open weekdays and weekends, it’s a cultural gem offering a fresh perspective on art, history, and creativity with every visit.
Photo: Zeitgeist Gallery
516 Hagan St #100
Nashville, TN 37203
In the heart of Wedgewood-Houston, Zeitgeist Gallery champions contemporary art. With rotating exhibitions and a focus on local talent, every visit offers an exciting dive into Nashville’s modern artistic landscape.
Photo: Cooter's Place
2613 McGavock Pike
Nashville, TN 37214
Run by “Cooter” from The Dukes of Hazzard, this museum is a nostalgic treasure trove of memorabilia. Fans can see costumes, original props, and even the iconic General Lee up close.
Photo: Tom Gatlin
Step into Nashville’s past at Fort Nashborough. This reconstructed 18th-century settlement brings history to life with log cabins, interactive exhibits, and stories of the city’s earliest pioneers.
Photo: Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl
404 Hogan Rd
Nashville, TN 37220
Explore Tennessee’s farming heritage with antique tools, heirloom gardens, and a historic log cabin village. A peaceful wooded trail completes this immersive journey into the state’s agricultural past.
Photo: Tennessee State Museum
1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd
Nashville, TN 37208
From prehistoric artifacts to modern history, this museum covers it all. Learn about Tennessee’s cultural, musical, and historical impact through interactive exhibits and extensive collections. Admission is FREE!
Photo: Frist Art Museum
919 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
With ever-changing exhibitions and an interactive art-making space, the Frist Art Museum ensures there’s always something new to experience. Perfect for families, kids can create their own masterpieces at Martin ArtQuest. Guests 18 and younger gain free admission!
Bank of America Cardholders also get the opportunity for free entry on the first weekend of every month as part of their Museums on Us program.
Photo: Nashville.gov
The Visitors Center offers insight into Nashville’s complex ties to the Federal Government during the Civil War and explores the site's evolving significance through the 20th century and beyond.
Photo: Condé Nast Traveler
9676 Old Highway 46
Bon Aqua, TN 37025
Once Johnny Cash’s private retreat, this museum offers a rare glimpse into the Man in Black’s life. Explore memorabilia, lush farmland, and a piece of Tennessee’s rich musical legacy. With its commitment to accessibility, the Storytellers Hideaway Farm & Museum offers free admission for kids under twelve, making it a must-visit for families in Nashville.
Photo: TWHN Museum Facebook
Discover the Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum, where the legacy of this iconic breed comes to life through historic tack, trophies, and interactive exhibits. Dive into the rich heritage, unique gait, and captivating stories behind Tennessee’s symbol of pride—and saddle up for a journey through equestrian excellence!
Did we draw the wrong conclusion or brush over a free museum day? Let us know at [email protected]! We want to paint the perfect picture.
